The Signicance of "Period"

Discussion in 'Mid Atlantic' started by Huck, Aug 21, 2009.

  1. Huck

    Huck Member

    16
    Aug 12, 2009
    Can someone educate me a bit on the significance of period when measuring waves? I understand "period" to mean the period of time between swells. Some of the other threads seem to suggest that a swell's period will affect how the wave will break, not just how close the waves are together. Why, as some threads relating to the big swell this weekend seem to suggest, are long period swells more likely to close out and be unrideable than short period swells? I can see why the size of a wave in relation to the depth and shape of a sandbar would make a wave unrideable, but it's not clear to me why the period would affect the result. Someone help out a rookie wave scientist here. Thanks.
     

  2. Huck

    Huck Member

    16
    Aug 12, 2009
    Thanks, Mr. Swellinfo. This is a big help.

    So... you think the waves at Southern NJ are really going to hit 13+ feet? I grew up on the Jersey shore (Avalon) and i have NEVER seen anything that big. I live in Washington, DC now, but i have half a mind to jump in my car and go up to NJ to check it out.
     
  3. Swellinfo

    Swellinfo Administrator

    May 19, 2006
    looking pretty big my friend. its hard to give exact numbers, since there will be a lot of variability between breaks... Sunday morning looks best for conditions.
     
  4. MDSurfer

    MDSurfer Well-Known Member

    Dec 30, 2006
    Huck

    If I were you, I'd make a B-Line (Atlantic City Expressway) to the Jersey Shore, it's always better there.
     
  5. chadbrochill93

    chadbrochill93 Well-Known Member

    231
    Nov 2, 2007
    this stuff still confuses me



    ima do what i always done did


    just get out and ride.................yyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa